HP Pavilion 7905

WHAT'S NOT: Despite its cutting-edge 2-GHz processor and whopping 512MB of PC133 SDRAM, this Pavilion is no speed demon. With a PC WorldBench 2 score of just 99, it came in behind other 2-GHz P4 systems running Window XP with half as much RDRAM. Its PC WorldBench 4 scores were more in line with those of 1.2-GHz Athlon systems. Some of that speed lag may come from the type of memory the Pavilion 7905 uses, namely Intel's new 845 chip set, which pairs a Pentium 4 processor with standard SDRAM, rather than pricier RDRAM. PC World's tests show that Pentium 4 systems that use RDRAM perform better than SDRAM systems, and even better with DDR SDRAM.

Like its performance numbers, the system's 19-inch Pavilion MX90 monitor also fails to paint a pretty picture. At a resolution of 1280 by 1024, letters blurred and looked light in our text test, while the entire screen had a grayish tint. Hues in our test photograph looked artificial and pale. Likewise, a film played in the 16X DVD-ROM drive appeared dark, with muted colors.

WHAT ELSE: The side panel of the case slides off easily after you remove two thumbscrews, and you can change expansion cards after lifting a hinged door also held by two thumbscrews. The drives are harder to remove, however: To get at all the drive-mounting screws, you must also take off the other side panel, which is anchored with regular Philips screws.

Sound quality was about average in our CD and DVD tests. The two tiny Polk Audio AMR50 satellite speakers can handle higher notes fairly well, but even with a good-size subwoofer, the system sounds weak and flat in the bass ranges.

This Pavilion's documentation is adequate, though less extensive than it looks at first, because the manuals contain sections in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. The setup poster, while specific to this system, uses cartoon illustrations that provide little information and no text. A separate "Quick Start Guide" fills in details missing from the poster and provides a brief troubleshooting section. Our machine also came with a card that explains how to reach tech support, a Windows XP booklet, a monitor manual, and a booklet entitled "Upgrading and servicing the PC" that provides information on the case and components. The software bundle includes both Corel WordPerfect Office 2002 and Microsoft Works.

UPSHOT: The Pavilion 7905's design is usable and attractive, and the wireless peripherals are convenient, but the system's performance disappoints.